outplay

verb

out·​play ˌau̇t-ˈplā How to pronounce outplay (audio)
outplayed; outplaying; outplays

transitive verb

: to play better than
especially : to outdo in playing a game
The Knicks took a 21-point lead in the first half, gave up 18 consecutive points in the third quarter, but outplayed the Kings down the stretch to win … The Times Union (Albany, New York)

Examples of outplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Phillies have been outplayed for two nights in New York, but those losses do not compare to a potential absence for Sánchez. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Despite leading by three runs in the first inning, then three again entering the eighth, the Dodgers couldn’t hold on in a wild 11-10, extra-innings loss to the Chicago Cubs, getting outplayed — or, at the very least, outslugged — on a night a wind blowing out turned Wrigley Field into a band box. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 The grand slam winner had a remarkable week, outplaying Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau to claim the coveted green jacket on Sunday. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 They were heavily outshot and outplayed by the Avalanche. Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outplay

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outplay was in 1702

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outplay. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

outplay

verb
out·​play
(ˈ)au̇t-ˈplā
: to play better than
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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